This week, discover how American startup Relativity Space uses the largest 3D metal printer in the world to build rockets. Next, see how 3D printing is impacting the energy sector: ORNL has 3D printed several components that were successfully installed in a nuclear power plant. Finally, (re) discover One Click Metal, which has set the goal of democratizing the use of metal 3D printing by drastically reducing costs. Happy Sunday—Enjoy Watching!
Top 1: 3D Printing Rockets
Take a closer look at the world’s largest 3D metal printer; with it, Relativity Space plans to build rockets in just 60 days—a process that ordinarily takes 9 months. Not only are the builds faster thanks to 3D printing, but the end products are even more durable.
Top 2: Houses on Mars?
Earlier this week, we presented you with the latest project from the ICON, which specializes in the development of concrete 3D printers. The company is building a habitat that will simulate living conditions on Mars, thus allowing its inhabitants to prepare for future missions in space. The walls of the structure will be 3D printed using the Vulcan machine. A project full of promises!
Top 3: Nuclear & Additive Manufacturing
A team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has, for the first time, 3D printed four fuel assembly brackets that have been successfully installed in a nuclear power plant. The powder bed laser fusion process was chosen for this project, more specifically, a metal machine developed by Concept Laser. The team seeks to accelerate the qualification and certification of these 3D-printed nuclear components. Find all the production steps in the video below:
Top 4: Implants & Additive Manufacturing
RMS, a subsidiary of the Cretex Medical group, began investing in metal additive manufacturing in 2016. A few years later, the company has more than 27 3D printers and devotes more than 1,000 square meters to the exploration of 3D printing materials And new processes. The aim is to increase the production of titanium implants. The company also relies on subtractive manufacturing solutions and post-processing machines to offer adapted and tailor-made medical devices:
Top 4: One Click Metal & Autodesk
One Click Metal is a new manufacturer in the metal 3D printer space; its relied on Autodesk’s software suite to design quality parts. The mission of the startup is to offer more affordable solutions compared to those available on the market—think ballpark $60,000. They are easy to use, the goal being to simplify the production process. One Click Metal relied on the Fusion 360 software to allow any user to go further in modeling and his ideas:
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